Reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid moves back into the oesophagus and causes discomfort.
This is a common biological phenomenon where one in five Australians are said to regularly experience reflux. While heartburn itself is not a health concern, it can be a symptom of a different medical condition. Prolonged reflux issues can induce other health problems.
Knowing heartburn first aid can help reduce the resulting symptoms and discomfort.
What is Reflux?
Reflux is described as the feeling of pain in your chest area resulting from your stomach acid irritating your oesophagus. This pain can last for a few minutes and up to a few hours. The feelings intensify after eating a large meal, at night, or laying down. Heartburn that has intense or prolonged symptoms is called Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease. Also known as heartburn, the cause and symptoms of reflux are not related to the heart. However, sometimes the discomfort from the symptoms affects the chest area.
What Causes Reflux?
The scientific explanation for reflux is a problem with the oesophagus. Heartburn begins at the bottom of the oesophagus, or the lower oesophageal sphincter. Normally, food enters the stomach when the lower oesophageal sphincter loosens to allow food to enter the stomach. After the food enters, it contracts again.
Occasionally, the lower oesophageal sphincter does not tighten after food enters the stomach. This can cause stomach acid to back up into the oesophagus. This causes the discomfort in the chest, or reflux.
The relaxing of your lower oesophageal sphincter can be caused by a multitude of factors. The main reason being overeating but can also be a result of obesity, pregnancy, or constipation.
High levels of stomach acid can also force its way back into the oesophagus, causing the burning sensation of reflux. There are certain types of food that can increase your level of stomach acid. This includes food with high acidity, like tomatoes and citrus; high in fat and oils, like bacon and fries; and certain medication, like antibiotics and iron supplements.
Signs and Symptoms of Heartburn
Reflux is described as the feeling of pain in your chest area. However, there may be other signs that show that you may have heartburn, including:
Burning sensation or discomfort in the chest,
Increased pain when lying down,
Acidic, bitter, hot, or salty taste in your mouth, or
Difficulty swallowing
First Aid for Heartburn
Heartburn often passes after a few hours. However, if your symptoms are too much to handle, here are some tips to help you limit the pain:
Take medication – Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors decreases the pain caused by heartburn through lowering the level of stomach acid. Remember to consult a doctor before taking any medicine.
Eat specific types of food – Like medication, certain food can help limit stomach acid in the esophagus and reduce heartburn. This includes non-fat yogurt, ginger, and melons.
Loosen your clothing and straighten your posture – Heartburn symptoms can be magnified when pressure is applied to your stomach. Wearing loose clothing and sitting upright helps decrease discomfort.
When to See a Doctor
Reflux is often a result of overeating and is often not a cause for concern. However, there may be times when heartburn can be an indicator for other health problems. Make an appointment with your doctor if:
Symptoms are frequent and persistent.
Reflux induces nausea or vomiting
Symptoms persist even if you have taken medication.
Reflux causes difficulty to eat or swallow.
Reflux is interfering with your diet and daily life.
The occasional heartburn is normal. However, it can share the same feelings of chest pain as a heart attack. If you notice your pain intensifying and you are simultaneously experiencing pain in the arm or jaw and difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately.
For more information on how to manage symptoms of acid reflux, check out the video below:
Choking occurs when an object or a piece of food becomes lodged in the throat, blocking the airway. The adult or child will have difficulty breathing, and may lose consciousness. Quick and effective action is essential to prevent severe consequences and death.
